President Donald Trump has elevated “a powerful crusader for victims of crime” to one of the most critical posts in the nation.
Specifically, the president appointed Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
By doing so, he brings a trusted ally and seasoned prosecutor to one of the nation’s most powerful law enforcement positions.
The appointment signals President Trump’s commitment to placing strong conservatives in key roles after his previous nominee faced rejection from establishment Republicans.
This strategic move puts a vocal defender of constitutional rights and critic of government overreach in charge of federal prosecutions in Washington.
President Trump announced Pirro’s appointment after withdrawing his nomination of Ed Martin for the permanent position due to a lack of Republican support in the Senate.
The president praised Pirro as “incredibly well qualified” and “considered one of the Top District Attorneys in the History of the State of New York.”
He stated:
“I am pleased to announce that Judge Jeanine Pirro will be appointed interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. Jeanine is incredibly well qualified for this position, and is considered one of the Top District Attorneys in the History of the State of New York. She is in a class by herself. Congratulations Jeanine!”
🚨BREAKING: President Trump appoints Judge Jeanine Pirro as interim US Attorney for the District of Columbia. pic.twitter.com/xRTBM4yYHH
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 8, 2025
Pirro brings extensive legal experience to the role, having served as a Republican district attorney and judge in Westchester, New York.
Her background as a prosecutor and her reputation as what President Trump called “a powerful crusader for victims of crime” make her uniquely qualified to take on the challenges of the D.C. office.
The appointment comes after Martin’s nomination stalled in the Senate. Republican Senator Thom Tillis declared he would have “no tolerance for anybody who entered the building on January 6,” effectively blocking Martin’s confirmation.
Pirro has been a stalwart defender of conservative values during her 14-year tenure at Fox News, where she hosted her own show and most recently co-hosted “The Five.”
Fox News acknowledged her departure with praise, with a spokesperson stating that Pirro “contributed greatly to our success throughout her 14-year tenure.”
Though not confirmed for the U.S. Attorney position, Martin will continue serving the administration as director of the Justice Department’s “weaponization working group.”
This critical role will focus on investigating the Biden administration’s politically motivated prosecutions and use of federal agencies to target conservatives.
The interim appointment allows Pirro to assume this crucial role immediately without Senate confirmation.
However, it remains unclear if President Trump will later nominate her for the permanent position. If nominated permanently, she would face a confirmation process in the Senate.
Pirro’s appointment represents another step in President Trump’s efforts to drain the swamp and place trusted conservatives in positions where they can restore justice and counter the weaponization of the legal system.
